“They behave more violently after viewing it in their play and how they treat others. They’re less likely to sympathize with victims of violence.”

But UFC Lobbyist Michael Mersch told the council they’ve never tried to ban people from watching the Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox or Celtics.

“I think it’s no different than the violence exhibited at a baseball, football, basketball, or hockey game. That’s a decision for the parents to make whether that is an activity that should be allowed,” Mersch said.

“It’s sad that those thoughts are still going on in people’s minds. Hopefully over time we can show this is martial arts in its purest form and it will do nothing but good for the children,” Conor McGregor, a UFC fighter from Ireland currently training in Boston, told WBZ-TV.

Massachusetts law already states that children 16 and under can’t attend live amateur and professional cage fighting events without a parent.

UFC officials say they support that law.

If Murphy’s proposal makes it through the city council, it would still need the approval of the state legislature.